I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for MedImmune. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
Whether you are a mom or mom-to-be, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a disease that you’ve probably heard a lot about. It has been in the forefront of many mother’s minds. RSV is like a cold, since it is seasonal disease, it is easy to catch and is either mild to moderate or worse – it can lead to a very seriously harmful infection.
So what should you know about RSV?
WHO – Young children are most effected by this disease. But babies, especially premature babies can be hit with this disease the worst. Preterm babies catch RSV 2x as much as full-term babies. Most children will catch RSV by the time they are 2 years old.
WHAT – Respiratory Syncytial symptoms include coughing, sneezing and fever. Other signs of RSV disease may include constant wheezing, troubled breathing, bluish coloring around the mouth or fingernails, gasping breaths, and nostrils flaring when trying to breath.
WHEN – RSV is year-round, but the RSV season is usually is fall, winter and then into spring. The peak of this disease is in the winter.
WHERE – Easily keep track of the highly effected places where RSV season is happening. Check on your local area, and find other nearby cities with RSV on this RSV map.
HOW – While RSV is very contagious, spreading simply by touching, sneezing or coughing, there are ways to prevent and minimize the spread of RSV. It is critical to stay informed, wash your hands, avoid large groups of people – especially children or those with colds to prevent RSV from spreading.
This respiratory disease is very common, and can be very serious. The fact that RSV is the number one cause of hospitalization of babies during their first year, is a sure sign you should familiarize yourself with the RSV facts. Here is a great document laying out so many answers to the RSV disease.
RSV is a hot topic around this time, due to the RSV season, but also World Prematurity Day, Monday November 17th, 2014.
Many of us know someone who has had a premature birth, or maybe you have had one yourself. You have probably heard about all the precautions that must be taken.
My sister-in-law had twins too early and they were hospitalized for weeks. I am happy to say that they are now growing and learning, but there is no doubt it was a frightening time. She is an amazing mother and did everything she could to protect them their first year. Because they were born prematurely, they were so vulnerable to RSV and other diseases. Being the aware mom that she is, she avoided crowded, didn’t travel with them and kept everything very clean. She was able to ward off serious illnesses that could have wrecked havoc on their little bodies and their compromised immune systems.
She is an inspirational mother and a great example of how important it is to be aware, informed, educated and take actions to protect your sensitive children as necessary. She avoided this dreadful disease getting a hold of her beautiful family, and gives hope to other mothers – you can too!